Admission personnel look to applicants for evidence of personal integrity and maturity, capacity for self-reflection, biblical depth and academic excellence. In assessing applicant essays, admission personnel seek evidence of purposefulness in both the spiritual and the vocational, even if an applicant's goals are more general than specific in nature. This does not require commitment toward a specific ministry at the outset, but a desire to apply one's education to the contemporary needs of the world.

The admission criteria are tools to evaluate an applicant's ability to be fruitful in the ministry/calling towards which they are headed. Indicators of this potential will include a person's character, emotional adjustment, interpersonal skills, verbal aptitude, and demonstrated leadership skills. The ability to initiate and sustain significant, long-term interpersonal relationships is also an important quality.

Application files are reviewed for completeness and conformity to admission requirements by trained staff or faculty.